Multi-configurable splice holder

Abstract

Splice holders for managing and storing splices between optical fibers in fiber optic hardware and equipment are disclosed herein. The splice holder include a base portion and an array of splice holding partitions extending from the base portion. In some embodiments the array of splice holding partitions define a plurality of rows for receiving a respective first splice component along a first direction and a plurality of columns intersecting the plurality of fiber rows for receiving a second splice component along a second direction. Similarly, in some embodiments, selected pairs of splice holding partitions define a column width and selected pairs of splice holding partitions define a row width. Additionally, in some embodiments, the column width is sufficiently greater than the row width to accommodate the second splice component oriented along one of the plurality of columns that could not otherwise be accommodated if oriented along one of the plurality of rows.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61 / 330,172 filed on Apr. 30, 2010 and entitled “FIBER OPTIC SPICE HOLDER”. This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 956,446, pending, entitled “Module with adapter Side Entry Opening” and U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 956,475, pending, entitled “Multi-Layer Module,” both of which were filed on the same day as this application and both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]The present disclosure generally relates to splice holders and, more specifically, to embodiments of a splice module that may be utilized in a plurality of different configurations.[0004]2. Technical Background[0005]In fiber optic and other cable installations, there is often a desire to splice a field fiber in order to utilize a fiber adapter. As such, a multi-fiber cable may be routed to a splice module. The splice module may be configured to facilitate splic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a splice holder for managing and storing splices between optical fibers in fiber optic hardware and equipment. The splice holder has a base and an array of spclone holding partitions that define rows for receiving fiber splicing components and columns for receiving mass fusion splicing components. The width of the columns is larger than the width of the rows to accommodate splicing components that may not fit in the rows. The technical effect of this design is that it allows for efficient management and storage of splices between optical fibers.

Problems solved by technology

However, oftentimes, the fiber optic cable may become disorganized and / or tangled within the splice module, such that maintenance on the multi-fiber cable and / or splicing connection can become difficult.

Additionally, as maintenance is required, oftentimes a splice module is unable to store adequate slack to perform the desired maintenance.

Further, during installation and / or maintenance, a field technician may be uncertain whether the splice module will be utilized for single fiber splicing or mass fusion splicing until the field technician analyzes the cable configuration.

As current splice modules include a back entry opening for passing the multi-fiber cable to the splice module, access to the splice module may be difficult.

Additionally, such configurations may be difficult to install and / or maintain due to the field technician being unable to perform the desire procedures within the confined area of the telecommunications rack.

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